Strawberry Danish Pastry with Cream Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both elegant and surprisingly easy to make, then you’re going to love this Strawberry Danish Pastry with Cream Cheese Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe combines the flaky, buttery layers of puff pastry with the creamy tang of cream cheese and the fresh sweetness of juicy strawberries. It’s the kind of pastry that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and your family go crazy for breakfast or brunch. Stick around because I’m going to walk you through everything you need to make this fan-freaking-tastic strawberry danish right at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients makes all the difference in baking, especially with something as delicate as Danish pastries. These ingredients work harmoniously to give you that flaky, creamy, and fruity goodness. I like to pick ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and fresh cream cheese for the ideal texture.

• Strawberries: Choose fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Cornstarch: This helps thicken the strawberry filling so it doesn’t get too watery while baking.
• Sugar: Balances the tartness of strawberries and enhances the filling’s flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, spreadable filling that’s rich but light.
• Powdered Sugar: Best for sweetening the cream cheese filling without grit.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic warmth to the cream cheese and glaze.
• Puff Pastry Sheets: Make sure they’re thawed properly for easy handling—this is the flaky backbone of your danish.
• Egg: Whisked with water, it’s perfect for brushing the edges to get that golden, glossy finish.
• Strawberry Jam (optional): A warm glaze right after baking takes the strawberry flavor up a notch.
• Milk: For mixing with powdered sugar to create a smooth vanilla glaze.

Variations

One of the best things about this Strawberry Danish Pastry with Cream Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and customize. I often experiment a bit depending on the season or what I have on hand, so please feel free to make it your own.

• Berry Medley: I sometimes swap strawberries for a mix of blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful twist that’s just as delicious.
• Without Cream Cheese: If you’re avoiding dairy, try swapping cream cheese with a dairy-free spread or a sweet almond paste for a different but tasty texture.
• Braided Danish Style: For a fun take, you can cut the pastry into strips and braid around the cream cheese and berries—my family loves the presentation!
• Glaze Options: I’ve played around with lemon or orange zest in the glaze for a citrusy pop that brightens the danish.

How to Make Strawberry Danish Pastry with Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry and Oven

Start by pulling your puff pastry sheets out of the freezer to thaw at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes. You want them pliable but still cool, so they puff up perfectly in the oven. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper — trust me, this keeps the pastries from sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a bowl, toss your sliced fresh strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. The cornstarch is my secret weapon here; it helps the juices thicken so your Danish won’t end up soggy. Let the berries sit for about 15 minutes at room temp—that way, they start macerating into a jammy consistency that’s just perfect.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the strawberries work their magic, whip up the cream cheese filling. Beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. I always taste mine here—if you want a sweeter or more vanilla-forward flavor, feel free to adjust a bit. The cream cheese filling is where that luscious creaminess comes from, so don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Cut and Score the Pastry

Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and cut it into six smaller rectangles by slicing along the creases and then dividing the long rectangles in half. Using a small knife, gently score a ¼-inch border around each rectangle without cutting all the way through. This scoring helps the edges puff up higher, creating that classic Danish look. If the dough starts feeling sticky, pop it back into the fridge before proceeding.

Step 5: Assemble the Danishes

Spread about a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling inside the scored border of each rectangle, staying neatly within the edges. Then, layer your prepared strawberries beautifully on top of the cream cheese. Brush the edges with the beaten egg wash—you’ll see it give the pastries a gorgeous golden color in the oven—and sprinkle all over with a little sugar if you want that subtle sparkle and crunch.

Step 6: Chill and Bake

If your puff pastry feels a bit warm or sticky, don’t skip chilling the baking sheet with the assembled danishes in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This step helps the layers stay distinct and puff up beautifully during baking. Then pop your pastries into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re a lovely light golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, let your danishes cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This keeps them crisp and prevents sogginess. If you want to take the strawberry flavor further, warm some strawberry jam and brush it on top. Alternatively, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract for a smooth glaze and drizzle it over the cooled danishes. Both options add a beautiful shine and extra sweetness.

How to Serve Strawberry Danish Pastry with Cream Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love a light dusting of powdered sugar and a glossy brushing of warmed strawberry jam to make these danishes shine. Sometimes I’ll drizzle a simple vanilla glaze—just powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla—and it adds such a beautiful finishing touch that makes them look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

These Strawberry Danish Pastries pair wonderfully with a cup of fresh brewed coffee or a sparkling mimosa for brunch. If you’re looking to add some savory contrast, slices of smoked salmon or a fresh green salad make a lovely side balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the danishes on a pretty tiered serving tray or plate them with edible flowers and fresh mint leaves. You could even assemble smaller bite-sized versions using mini puff pastry squares—they’re perfect for brunch parties or showers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Strawberry Danish Pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. I find they’re still great at room temperature if eaten within a couple of hours after baking, but refrigeration helps preserve their freshness.

Freezing

These danishes freeze well either before or after baking. When I freeze unbaked, I wrap each pastry tightly in plastic wrap and freeze on a tray before transferring to a box. To bake, just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. For baked leftovers, wrap well and freeze up to one month.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to revive that flaky crispness and warm the filling. I avoid microwaving because it can make the puff pastry soggy—honestly, heating in the oven is worth the few extra minutes!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Danish Pastry with Cream Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it strikes that perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and buttery without being intimidating to make. Every time I share it with friends and family, it disappears fast and earns so many compliments. I can’t recommend enough that you give this one a try—it’s a surefire way to brighten any morning and impress with minimal fuss. So go ahead, pull out that puff pastry, and enjoy making your kitchen smell like a charming little bakery.

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